The latest study indicating red yeast rice’s ability to lower cholesterol levels surprised me – not because of the results (indeed it does work), but because the pharmaceutical companies have so much invested in statins, I’m surprised that a Chinese herbal remedy made it past the barricades!

First, if statins work to lower cholesterol, why go to an herbal supplement at all? Unfortunately, statins have a huge impact on the liver, and carry heavy side-effects. They block an enzyme (HMG-Co A reductase) that has more than one function in your body; so blocking it lowers cholesterol, but also often results in muscle ache and fatigue.

Red yeast rice actually contains a natural statin (Monacolin K – what Lovastatin, or Mevacor is made from). Other components of red rice yeast also have positive effects on cholesterol metabolism; furthermore, each of these components exists in a much lower amount than they would in a statin drug. The end result is a milder but still significant lowering of cholesterol, and a much lower instance of aches and fatigue.

When considering natural supplements in place of pharmaceutical medications, I operate by the 80/20 philosophy. About 80% of patients using medications can probably get the same or an acceptable result by using supplements. And, in general, the supplements will give about 20% of the side-effects of prescription meds. Now obviously there are patients who need to take statins; I am certainly not recommending that everyone get off statins.  But the majority of patients with high cholesterol can improve with an appropriate dose of red yeast rice. For those with high blood sugar and fat density around the waist, I also add niacin and fish oil.

Here’s another caveat, and I’m glad this has been stressed in every article I’ve read: not all red yeast rice supplements are what they say they are. The FDA is still choosing not to regulate nutritional supplements, and too many products on store shelves are contaminated. As with any herbal supplement, buy from a reputable source – preferably a medical professional.